Smt. Droupadi Murmu
History was being rewritten when Smt. Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India, the first woman President from the tribal (Santhal) community. She was also the first woman-governor from the tribal area of the state of Jharkhand where she had proved her leadership might in her administration and governance.
When the tenure of Shri Ramnath Kovind was over, the NDA government didn't have to think twice to nominate Droupadi Murmu to the highest office of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's view about Droupadi Murmu is, "Millions of people, especially those who have experienced poverty and faced hardships, derive great strength from the life of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her understanding of policy matters and compassionate nature will greatly benefit our country."
She served as a junior assistant at the irrigation department of the Government of Odisha, and then a teacher at the school, Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre in Rairangpur, where she taught Hindi, Oriya, Maths and Geography. In 1997, she was elected as the Councillor of Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat. From 2000 to 2004, she was an MLA, and was honoured with Nilkanth Award for her admirable work. Because of sincere and committed social work, she became the Governor of Jharkhand.
Droupadi Murmu has devoted her life serving the society and empowering the poor, the downtrodden and the marginalised. Her contribution towards woman empowerment during this period was commendable.
Droupadi was born on June 20, 1958 at a place named Baidaposi of Mayurbanch district, Odisha. Her father Biranchi Narayan Tudu was the village head, like her grandfather. From childhood, she was excellent in studies, and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. She had her elementary education at the local primary school in Uparbeda and graduated (Bachelor of Arts) from Rama Devi Women's College, Bhubaneswar.
She was married to Shyam Charan Murmu and had two sons and a daughter. Unfortunately, her husband, two sons, mother and a brother died in a span of 7 years from 2009 to 2015. She is also a follower of the Brahma Kumari's spiritual movement.
The fact that a woman born in an undeveloped tribal area becomes the President of India has been like a new chapter in the history of India. She remains a model not just to the Indians, but to the whole world.
